Apparatuses for collecting the acrotelm of peat bogs

ABSTRACT

This disclosure describes a cutting unit for cutting sphagnum moss. The unit comprises a first pair of substantially parallel blades, laid out substantially according to a first orientation, and spaced apart from about 2 cm to about 30 cm and a second pair of blades, substantially parallel, laid out substantially in a second orientation, and spaced apart from about 40 cm to about 400 cm. The blades of the first pair and second pair being positioned and configured to cut said sphagnum moss.

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.17/435,391, filed on Oct. 7, 2021, that is a 35 USC 371 national stageentry of PCT/CA2020/050458, filed on Apr. 8, 2020, and which claimspriority to Canadian Application No. 3,039,879, filed on Apr. 9, 2019.These documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The field of this invention relates to methods and apparatus forharvesting sphagnum moss. For example, such methods and apparatus may beused so as to harvest in a sustainable manner and with minimal impact onthe environment.

STATE OF THE ART

Peat bogs are wetlands of great ecological and economic value. Many usesare associated with them, some of them commercial. These include theextraction of peat for off-site uses, whether for purposes of energy,absorption, filtration or, more broadly, as a growing medium. Forhorticultural uses, although devoid of nutrients, the water capacity,the rigidity of its structure and the porosity of peat make it asought-after raw material. On the other hand, its exploitation leads tothe depletion of the resource and the degradation of peat bogs overtime.

Peat bogs form where the rate of accumulation of organic matter isgreater than the rate at which it decomposes. Hence, the importance ofremoving only that which is necessary in order to ensure thepreservation of the resource and the balance of the ecosystem.

Although collection and rehabilitation techniques have evolved in recentyears, none of them allow the gathering of biomass without interferingwith the sustainability of the environment.

Currently, the usual preparation techniques include drainage, anecessary step for exploitation activities, which includes the cuttingof vegetation and drawing down the water table with ditches. Followingdrying up, and once the plot is firm enough to support the machinery,the next step is to clean and level the area.

For the extraction of peat, once the gathering area is well prepared,the most common method consists in decompacting the first centimeters ofsoil with a harrow, this to expose the first centimeters. This operationhelps the peat to dry out under the combined effect of wind and sun, andfacilitates the gathering with a towed vacuum harvester, which removesthis thin layer. The resulting stacks are then transported to the plantwhere they are cleaned of unwanted material (branches, roots, etc.).Once done, the peat is packaged, alone or in a mixture, and shipped tothe markets.

Although common and widespread, these industrial exploitation practicesprogressively deplete the resource and, in the long run, become highlyinvasive and disruptive to the environment, if only because of theimpact of heavy vehicles circulating there and the resulting soilcompaction.

This situation has led a growing number of countries to enact strictstandards to regulate this industry and minimize its negative aspects.

The sustainability of the resource and the maintenance of this ecosystemdepend on the choice of the mode of extraction.

Peat bogs that are exploited do not easily return to their initial statewithout human intervention in terms of rewetting (hydrology) andreintroduction of vegetation cover, mainly sphagnum moss.

Since peat accumulates at an average rate of 0.5 to 1 mm per year(mainly at the latitude of eastern Quebec, Canada), even if restored, itis unrealistic to think that, after exploitation, a peat bog could againallow a second commercial extraction in a so-called near future ofseveral hundred or thousand years.

Approaches aimed at minimizing the negative environmental footprint doexist. For example, in the peat bogs of the province of Magallanes,Chile, the harvesting of surface sphagnum or of sphagnum moss (and notof peat) is done manually, with a fork and applied at a depth of no morethan 25 cm. The extraction is done section by section and 20% to 30% ofthe initially present material is left on site to promote theregeneration of the environment.

Likewise, for commercial exploitation, mechanized harvesting equipment,developed by the Finnish company Novarbo Biolan/BRT Solutions Ltd,allows access to shallow bogs and makes the extraction of the surfacesphagnum found there possible. Even if the method avoids drainage of thegathering area, it remains invasive if only because of the pressureexerted on the soil by the tracks and the manner in which the sphagnumis removed (i.e. literally ripped out) from the environment, leaving thesoil devastated and bare.

Indeed, both of the solutions described above have notable shortcomings:for the Chilean solution, although sustainable, there is no commercialprofitability; for the Finnish solution, although economically viable,the initial integrity of the environment is compromised and theregeneration of the resource for a subsequent sustainable and repeatedharvest in the short or medium term (for example 15 to 20 years) islacking.

Hence the need for an apparatus and/or a method that avoids at least oneof the disadvantages of the prior art technologies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, this disclosure relates to a method of removingsphagnum moss comprising motorized cutting and a removal of at least aportion of the sphagnum moss in which the cutting is performed, in adirection substantially parallel to the ground.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method ofremoving sphagnum moss comprising motorized cutting and a removal of atleast a portion of the sphagnum moss in which the cutting is performedin a direction substantially parallel to the ground while leaving thesphagnum moss anchored to the ground.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method ofremoving sphagnum moss comprising motorized cutting and a removal of atleast a portion of the sphagnum moss in which the cutting is performedin a direction substantially parallel to the ground and in a directionsubstantially vertical to the ground, while leaving the sphagnum mossanchored to the ground.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a cutting unitcomprising at least one pair of blades sized to allow a removal of anintermediate portion of sphagnum moss at upper and lower ends of theintermediate portion, but without however tearing the sphagnum moss fromthe ground.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a cutting unitcomprising at least one blade for making a substantially horizontal cutto allow the cutting of a portion of sphagnum moss at a lower orintermediate location of the sphagnum moss, but without however tearingthe sphagnum moss from the ground, and at least one blade for making asubstantially vertical cut of the sphagnum moss.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a cutting unitcomprising a first pair of substantially parallel blades laid outsubstantially in a first orientation and spaced apart from each otherabout 2 cm to about 30 cm and a second pair of substantially parallelblades substantially laid out in a second orientation and spaced apartfrom each other about 40 cm to about 400 cm.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to a sphagnum mossharvesting system comprising a cutting unit as described in thisdisclosure, and a motor for moving said cutting unit.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to the use of acutting unit with motorized travel and comprising a chainsaw for cuttingthe sphagnum moss for the purpose of removing the moss without howevertearing the sphagnum moss from the ground.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to the use of acutting unit with motorized travel and comprising a chainsaw for cuttingthe sphagnum moss for the purpose of removing an intermediate portiondisposed above the ground.

According to another aspect, this disclosure relates to the use of acutting unit with motorized travel and comprising a chainsaw for cuttingthe sphagnum moss for the purpose of removing an intermediate portiondisposed above the ground, said cutting being performed in a directionsubstantially horizontal to the upper and lower ends of saidintermediate portion while still leaving the sphagnum moss anchored tothe ground and while redepositing an apical portion on the ground.

The methods, devices and uses discussed above provide several advantagesover the technological solutions proposed in the prior art. Some ofthese advantages are listed below.

1—Maintenance of Microbial, Faunal and Plant Communities on the Surfaceof Sphagnum Bogs

-   -   For the removal of sphagnum moss, the method and apparatus that        are the subject matter of this disclosure allow for the        maintenance of floristic diversity and the preservation of the        plant communities that develop there, since the approach favors        the rapid return of the plant cover as well as that of the whole        of the characteristic vegetation of a so-called “natural” peat        bog. This premise is based on observations of the environment        and on the realistic assumption that only a portion of the        acrotelm is removed, without affecting the vitality of the        sphagnum that remains anchored to the ground. Furthermore, it is        envisaged to further stimulate regrowth by returning the apical        portion of the gathered sphagnum to the ground, so as to        increase the rapid recovery of the vegetation and to preserve        the whole propagule bank specific to the site.    -   At the same time, the approach proposed in this disclosure        accelerates the return of fauna belonging to so-called “natural”        peat bogs and preserves the diversity of its fauna. It achieves        this by preserving the surface area following the harvesting of        sphagnum and by maintaining the hydrology of the subsoil intact.        Their habitat being preserved, the animal species continue to        find the elements necessary for their survival in these places        in terms of shelter, food and reproduction.    -   Current knowledge makes it difficult to compare the different        microbiota present in complex peat bog ecosystems. Nevertheless,        it is plausible to think that with a respectful approach such as        the one described in this disclosure, which better preserves the        integrity and sustainability of the gathering area in terms of        its faunal, botanical and hydrological aspects, the already        present native microbial flora is indeed preserved.    -   One year after the gathering according to the methods of this        disclosure and using the units and systems presented in it, the        harvest sites show a rate of vegetation recovery approaching        100% and no significant change in the floristic population has        been observed. It is clear that these initial data need to be        corroborated and that more comprehensive characterization        measurements, relating to the biodiversity of the environment,        be undertaken in the coming years.

2—Preservation of the Role of Peat Bogs as Carbon Sinks.

-   -   Following the harvest of sphagnum moss using the proposed        methods and devices, a level of carbon capture (C) equivalent to        or greater than that recorded in the natural environment is        expected, this at least for the vast majority of existing peat        bogs. Even in the case of exceptionally emissive wetlands with        unusual carbon exchange patterns, such as the peat bogs of the        Rivière-du-Loup region, a decrease in carbon released was        observed only one year after harvesting the sphagnum. The        average rate of carbon dioxide (CO₂) release went from 20 g CO₂        m⁻² day⁻¹, for pristine unexploited areas, to 9 g CO₂ m⁻² day⁻¹        for the harvested sections. Thus, there is reason to believe        that for peat bogs with a typical carbon exchange flow pattern,        CO₂ sequestration is likely to be greater than that encountered        in a so-called pristine area.    -   The methods and devices of this disclosure also allow the        preservation of carbon accumulated over the years, trapped in        the organic matter that is the peat, in massive quantities, in        particular in the catotelm. The carbon sequestered in the        catotelm remains there: the gathering only being carried out        here in the acrotelm of the peat bogs, without need of draining        water or lowering the water table, the whole while preserving        the living plant cover.    -   In order to confirm these assumptions, over the next few years,        from the initial harvest period to the complete renewal of the        sphagnum moss that is ready for a second gathering, monitoring        over time and on different types of bogs will be undertaken,        with emphasis on the analysis of carbon fluxes (CO₂ and CH₄)        present in the peat bogs.

3—Methods and Devices Intended for Harvesting Sphagnum Moss in aRenewable Manner and with Minimal Impact on the Environment.

-   -   It is believed that the technology in this disclosure will allow        for the renewal of the sphagnum raw material and the sustainable        use of the gathering area over time. It is estimated that the        complete renewal of the material will occur over a time period        of 5 to 10 years. One year after harvest, the sites are already        showing a clear rate of recovery. The actual time required for        renewal will be confirmed over the next few years.    -   Since no intervention is made to alter the water table, this        practice greatly minimizes impacts on hydrology. It also avoids        the release of sediments into the surrounding waters via        drainage channels, a common practice in conventional peat bog        operations. All this is in addition to preserving the        hydro-ecological functions of the harvest area. Through        gathering, the peat bog is maintained in a constant state of        development. Phenomena related to the senescence of organisms        and the environment are slowed down or greatly delayed. These        conditions increase carbon capture, facilitate water management        during heavy precipitation and avoid spillover from the        watershed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures of this disclosure illustrate various examples in anon-limiting manner.

FIG. 1 shows a cutting diagram of a method according to an example ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cutting unit according to an exampleof this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the cutting unit of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a harvesting system according to anexample of this disclosure including a towed mode with tracks.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a harvesting system according to anotherexample of this disclosure comprising a towed mode on skids.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a harvesting system according to anotherexample of this disclosure comprising a mode on rails.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a harvesting system according to anotherexample of this disclosure comprising a mode on rails.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a harvesting system according to anotherexample of this disclosure comprising a mode on rails.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a harvesting system according to anotherexample of this disclosure comprising a mode on rails.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a harvesting system according toanother example of this disclosure comprising a mode propelled bytracks.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a cutting unit according toanother example of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THIS DISCLOSURE

The examples presented in this disclosure are presented in anon-limiting manner.

The term “while leaving the sphagnum moss anchored to the ground” asused in this disclosure means that a portion of the sphagnum moss isremoved by cutting while leaving the sphagnum moss anchored to theground over at least 90% of the harvested surface, at least 95% of theharvested surface or even 99% of the harvested surface. The personskilled in the art will understand that due to the irregularities of theterrain (and its components), where the sphagnum moss is harvested (inpeat bogs), it is possible that the equipment used might catch oraccidentally come into contact with the sphagnum moss on the ground andthat a portion of it is damaged and ripped out. The person skilled inthe art will understand that in a theoretical situation of perfectlyflat ground and without components modifying this perfectly flatcharacter, such a cutting and harvesting would be carried out withouthowever ripping out the sphagnum moss, which is to say that only acutting and a gathering of the intermediate portion of the moss would becarried out. For example, the removal of an intermediate portionlocated, for example, on top of the ground and comprising the apicalportion can be carried out. According to another example, removal of aportion located on top of the ground and comprising the apical portionmay be considered.

For example, the cut may be performed in a direction at leastsubstantially horizontal to the upper and lower ends of an intermediateportion while leaving the sphagnum moss anchored to the ground andredepositing an apical portion on the ground.

For example, the cutting may be performed with at least one blade orsaw.

For example, the cutting may be performed with at least one chainsaw.

For example, the cutting may be performed with at least two chainsaws.

For example, the cutting may be further performed in a direction that issubstantially vertical.

For example, the cutting may be further performed in a direction atleast substantially horizontal to the upper and lower ends of theintermediate portion by means of a chainsaw and a cutting is alsoperformed in a direction that is substantially vertical by means of ablade or saw.

For example, the cutting and/or collection may be performed in amotorized manner while concurrently exerting a ground pressure of about2.5 to about 35 kPa, about 3 to about 15 kPa, about 3 to about 10 kPa,about 3 to about 7 kPa, about 3 to about 5 kPa, or about 4 to about 5kPa.

For example, the cutting may allow for a collection of the acrotelm ofombrotrophic, minerotrophic, or mixed peat bogs.

For example, the cutting allows for a collection of the acrotelm in anombrogenic, soligenic, topogenic, limnogenic, or telmatogenic peat bog.

For example, the cutting allows for a collection of the acrotelm from analkaline (known as carex) peat bog or an acidic (known as sphagnum) peatbog.

For example, the cutting may be performed by horizontal sawing at acutting angle of about 0° to about 10° with respect to the ground orabout 0° to about 5° with respect to the ground.

For example, the cutting made at the upper end of the intermediateportion may be made at a cutting angle of about 0° to about 10° withrespect to the ground and the cutting made at the lower end of theintermediate portion may be made at a cutting angle of about 0° to about10° with respect to the ground.

For example, the cutting made at the upper end of the intermediateportion may be made at a cutting angle of about 0° to about 5° withrespect to the ground and the cutting made at the lower end of theintermediate portion may be made at a cutting angle of about 1° to about5° with respect to the ground.

For example, the cutting may be made to collect a portion measuring fromabout 2 cm to about 40 cm, about 3 cm to about 30 cm, about 5 cm toabout 20 cm, or about 8 cm to about 12 cm.

For example, the cutting may be performed at a predetermined distancebetween the upper and lower ends of an intermediate portion so as totake an intermediate portion measuring from about 2 cm to about 40 cm,about 3 cm to about 30 cm, about 4 cm to about 25 cm, about 5 cm toabout 25 cm, about 5 cm to about 20 cm, about 7 cm to about 17 cm, about7 cm to about 15 cm or about 8 cm to about 12 cm.

For example, the cutting may be performed having a saw speed of at least50 meters per minute, about 50 to 400 meters per minute, about 60 toabout 300 meters per minute, about 75 to about 250 meters per minute,about 100 to about 250 meters per minute, about 150 to about 250 metersper minute, or about 180 to about 220 meters per minute.

For example, a sprocket may be rotated, said sprocket may have a radiusof about 1 to about 15 cm, about 2 to about 13 cm, or about 4 to about12 cm.

For example, the cutting may be performed by a saw.

For example, the cutting may be made by a chainsaw.

For example, the cutting made may comprise a vertical cut made at anangle of more or less 45° relative to a vertical axis, more or less 20°relative to a vertical axis, more or less 10° relative to a verticalaxis, or more or less 0° relative to a vertical axis.

For example, the cutting made may comprise a vertical cut made at twolocations independently at an angle of more or less 45° relative to avertical axis at each of the locations, independently at an angle ofmore or less 20° relative to a vertical axis at each of the locations,independently at an angle of more or less 10° relative to a verticalaxis at each of the locations, or independently at an angle of more orless 0° relative to a vertical axis at each of the locations.

For example, the cutting made may comprise a vertical cut made with adistance of about 40 to about 400 cm between the two locations, about 50to about 150 cm between the two locations, about 60 to about 120 cmbetween the two locations, or about 80 to about 100 cm between the twolocations.

For example, the collection may be performed by a conveyor.

For example, the method may further comprise dewatering and draining thecollected intermediate portion.

For example, a pressure of about 25 to about 750 kPa, from about 30 toabout 700 kPa, from about 40 to about 600 kPa, may be applied to thesphagnum moss.

For example, a dewatering and/or draining unit may be integral or,separate part of, or may be attached to, equipment for the cutting orcollection of the sphagnum moss.

For example, the method may be performed by motorized movement of acutting unit which allows for the simultaneous performance of thehorizontal cutting at the upper and lower ends of the intermediateportion of the sphagnum moss, and a vertical cut at two locationsseparated by a predetermined distance.

For example, the movement of the cutting unit may be performed on anmovable bridge.

For example, the movable bridge may support a cutting unit resting atends on two parallel movable rails, said rails may or may not beprovided with a transport unit for conveying the harvested material.

For example, the movement of the cutting unit may be performed by atowed or self-propelled equipment.

For example, movement of the cutting unit may be accomplished using amodular ramp.

For example, the modular ramp may comprise a base that allows fordistribution of the weight on the sphagnum moss.

For example, the harvested sphagnum moss may undergo swelling.

For example, the harvested sphagnum moss may temporarily be storeddirectly at a gathering site.

For example, the harvested sphagnum moss may be temporarily storeddirectly at a gathering site with protection from poor weather.

For example, the method may further comprise, drying, swelling, cutting,sieving, mixing, bagging, and/or storing.

For example, the method may comprise an average gathering speed of about0.1 to about 1.5 km/hour, about 0.2 to about 1.2 km/hour, about 0.3 toabout 1.1 km/hour, or about 0.5 to about 1.0 km/hour.

For example, the method may comprise a gathering volume of about 250 toabout 1500 m³/hectare, about 300 to about 1,300 m³/hectare; about 400 toabout 1,200 m³/hectare, or about 500 to about 1,100 m³/hectare.

For example, the sphagnum moss may be collected in alternating strips.

For example, the sphagnum moss may be collected in a continuous form.

For example, the method can be performed in a minerotrophic,ombrotrophic, or mixed peat bog.

For example, the cutting may be performed using a saw, chisel, cleaver,laser, knife, or blade.

For example, the cutting may be performed at a rotational speed of about200 to about 2000 rpm, about 400 to about 1800 rpm, about 600 to about1600 rpm, or about 700 to about 1500 rpm. For example, a sprocket may besubjected to said rotation, said sprocket may have a radius of fromabout 1 to about 15 cm, from about 2 to about 13 cm or from about 4 toabout 12 cm.

For example, said pressure may be exerted for a period of time fromabout 1 to about 60 seconds, from about 2 to about 45 seconds, or fromabout 5 to about 30 seconds.

For example, in the cutting unit, the first orientation may behorizontal.

For example, in the cutting unit, the second orientation may bevertical.

For example, in the cutting unit, the first pair of blades may be a pairof chainsaws.

For example, the chainsaws may be arranged such that the first pair ofblades comprises a first chainsaw disposed above a second chainsaw, thefirst chainsaw may be disposed horizontally and may be advanced withrespect to the second chainsaw such that when the cutting unit contactsan item to be cut, said item first contacts the first chainsaw and saiditem then contacts the second chainsaw.

For example, the second pair of blades may be a pair of chainsaws.

For example, the second pair of blades may be a pair of circular blades.

For example, the second pair of blades may be a pair of shear blades.

For example, the harvesting system may furthermore comprise a railsystem for supporting said cutting unit.

For example, the harvesting system may further comprise a conveyor forconveying the sphagnum moss.

For example, the harvesting system may furthermore comprise at least oneroller allowing dewatering.

For example, the harvesting system may furthermore comprise rollersallowing dewatering.

For example, the harvesting system may furthermore comprise cylindersallowing for pre-dewatering.

For example, the method may be performed by means of a cutting unit asdescribed in this disclosure.

Harvesting Principle

For example, the disclosure relates to a method intended for thegathering of live sphagnum moss, comprising a motorized cutting and agathering of at least a portion of the peat in which the cutting isperformed at least in a direction substantially parallel to the ground,this while leaving the sphagnum moss anchored to the ground; the cuttingunit exerting, for example, a pressure on the gathering area of lessthan 40 kPa or 35 kPa.

Table 1 lists various elements of an example shown in FIG. 1 .

TABLE 1 NUMBER ELEMENT DESCRIPTION 2 Acrotelm A layer of a peatecosystem that is constantly or periodically under aerobic conditions,characterized by fluctuations in the water table, and exhibits rapiddecomposition of the organic matter. 4 Catotelm The bottom layer of peatthat is permanently below the water table. Under these anaerobicconditions, the microbial activity and decomposition processes of thepeat are slower than in the acrotelm. 6 Ground Where the base of thecutting unit rests. 8 Water table Shallow groundwater reserve 10 Apicalportion Upper portion of the aerial part of the plant, location of thegenesis of the location of the new organs. 12 Aerial part Part of theplant located above the lower horizontal cut. 13 Intermediate portionPortion of the acrotelm harvested for a two-plane cut. 14 Lower portionPart of the plant located under the lower horizontal cut. 16 Cuttingplane No. 1 Lower horizontal limit of the live sphagnum moss cut. 18Cutting plane No. 2 Upper horizontal limit of the live sphagnum cut,without contribution from the apical portion. 20 Mobile bases Supportingrod that distributes the weight of the harvesting unit frame to theground. 22 Vertical cut Cut carried out on both sides of theintermediate portion. 24 Upper end End bounded by the cutting planeNo. 1. 26 Lower end End bounded by the cutting plane No. 2.

FIG. 1 shows a simplified representation of the gathering area (1),consisting of the acrotelm (2), the catotelm (4) and a water table (8)that fluctuates according to rainfall and evapotranspiration. Thechassis frame of the cutting unit (144) rests thereupon on supportingrods which serve as mobile bases (20) and distribute the weight of theload on the ground (6), According to the chosen mode of operation, twoparallel and distant blades allow a horizontal cut at the lower (26) andupper (24) ends of the intermediate portion of the harvested livesphagnum moss (13), which corresponds respectively to the cutting planeNo. 1 (16) and the cutting plane no. 2 (18). The intervention iscompleted by a second cutting (22); a cutting performed vertically onboth sides of the intermediate portion. According to another operationmode, a single horizontal cut can be made at the lower end, whichcorresponds to cutting plane No. 1. In this case, the aerial part of thesphagnum plant (12) is removed, including the apical portion (10),leaving a lower portion of the plant (14) anchored to the ground.Regardless of the method of operation chosen, the sphagnum moss remainsalive and attached to the ground, which is to say, it is not ripped out.

Cutting Unit

A cutting unit as well as a harvesting system comprising such a cuttingunit are described herein, said system being suitable for collectingsphagnum moss. Indeed, the harvesting system allows a cutting and acollection of a portion of said moss; the collection carried out fromthe aerial portion of the sphagnum moss, with or without returning theapical portion of the sphagnum moss thus harvested to the ground.

Table 1 lists various elements of an example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

TABLE 2 Number Component Description 102 Motor (1) Motor intended fordriving chainsaws. 104 Transmission shaft (2) Transmission shaft thattransmits the driving force from the motor to the chainsaw. 106 GearboxGearboxes that regulate the speed of the chainsaws. 108 Chainsaw bladeBlade that allows a lower horizontal cut. 110 Chainsaw blade Blade thatallows an upper horizontal cut. 112 Motor (1) Motor intended to drivethe two shears. 114 Shears (2) Blades that allows a vertical cut. 116Gearbox Gearboxes that regulates the operating speed of the shears. 118Transmission shaft Transmission shaft that transmits the driving forceof the motor to the two shears. 120 Motor (1) Motor intended to drivethe belt for the transport of the harvested material and the lowerdewatering belt. 122 Drive chains or belts (3) Drive chains or beltsthat transmit the driving force of the motor to the transport belt. 124Transport belt (1) Transport belt for the transport of the reseedingmaterial. 126 Motor (1) Motor intended to drive the upper dewateringbelt. 128 Dewatering belts (2) Perforated belts, intended to allow thedrainage of the excess water resulting from the pressure exerted by thedewatering rollers. 130 Gas cylinders (10) Gas cylinders that allow aconstant pressure to be exerted during pre- dewatering. 132Pre-dewatering rollers Rollers intended to extract, by (10) pressure onthe plant material, a first volume of water contained in the harvestedsphagnum. 134 Dewatering rollers (32) Lower dewatering rollers intendedto extract, by pressure on the plant material, an additional volume ofwater contained in the harvested sphagnum. 136 Dewatering rollers (1)Upper dewatering rollers intended to extract, by pressure on the plantmaterial, an additional volume of water contained in the harvestedsphagnum. 138 Hydraulic cylinder (2) Hydraulic cylinder for the controlof the dewatering pressure generated by the rollers. 140 Motor (1) Motorintended to operate the swelling system. 142 Sweller (1) System thatallows volume to be given to the harvested material. 144 Frame Chassisframe of the harvesting unit 146 Chute System allowing for the redepositon the ground of the apical portion of the sphagnum.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the cutting unit (100) comprises a firsthydraulic motor (102) the driving force of which is transmitted by meansof transmission shafts (104), whose speed is regulated by means of agearbox (106). These drive shafts drive a chainsaw blade (108) for thelower horizontal cut (26) (see FIG. 1 ) and a chainsaw blade (110) forthe upper horizontal cut (24) (see FIG. 1 ).

The cutting unit (100) comprises a second hydraulic motor (112),intended to drive a pair of shears (114), placed on each side of thecutting unit, this in order to allow the vertical cut (22) (see FIG. 1 )of the harvested sphagnum portion. The driving force of this hydraulicmotor (112) is transmitted by means of a transmission shaft (118), thespeed of which is regulated by means of a gearbox (116).

The cutting unit (100) comprises a third hydraulic motor (120) fordriving the lower dewatering belts by directly activating the lowerdewatering rollers (134). This hydraulic motor (120) likewise impartsthe driving force necessary to operate the transport belt (124) used forthe transport of the apical portion of the sphagnum that is replaced onthe ground, this by means of transmission chains or belts (122). Thecutting unit (100) comprises a fourth hydraulic motor (126) intended todrive the upper dewatering belt. This hydraulic motor (126) likewisedirectly imparts the driving force necessary to operate the upperdewatering roller (136). Both the upper and lower belts (128) areperforated, this in order to let the excess water flow from the pressureexerted by the dewatering rollers (134, 136) on the collected sphagnum.This pressure on the dewatering rollers is adjustable thanks to theforce exerted on them by the hydraulic cylinders (138) positioned oneither side of the cutting unit. Concurrently, the harvested sphagnummoss undergoes a pre-dewatering. To achieve this, a series of gascylinders (130) exert a constant pressure on the harvested material bymeans of the pre-dewatering rollers (132).

The cutting unit (100) comprises a fifth hydraulic motor (140), intendedto operate the swelling system (142), a component used to free up thesphagnum moss to increase its volume. The unit is mounted on a frame(144) as described in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 .

The cutting unit (100) can be integrated into various harvestingsystems. For example, the cutting unit (100) can be incorporated intothe harvesting system (201) (FIG. 4 ); into the harvesting system (203)(FIG. 5 ); into the harvesting system (205) (FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 ); orinto the harvesting system (207) (FIG. 10 ).

Harvest

Table 3 lists different elements of examples illustrated in FIGS. 4 to10 .

TABLE 3 Number Component Description 200 Overhead travelling craneStructure on which the cutting unit moves, this perpendicular to therails. 201 Harvesting system Harvesting system, including cutting unitattached to a trailer. 202 Rails Parallel metal bars upon which theoverhead crane and harvesting unit move. 203 Harvesting systemHarvesting system, comprising the cutting unit, mounted on a metalframework. 204 Bogies Mobile cart allowing the movement on rails. 205Harvesting system Harvesting system comprising the cutting unit,attached to an overhead crane. 206 Chassis frame Rigid structure used tosupport the overhead crane. 207 Harvesting system Harvesting systemcomprising the cutting unit mounted on a mobile metal framework attachedto a self-propelled vehicle. 208 Load-bearing base Base upon which allthe mobile components rest 210 Tubular structure Attaches rails andconveyor to the load-bearing base, while supporting the payload. 212Junction Piece that connects two rail sections. 214 Conveyor Allows thetransport of the harvested material. 216 Motor Present at each of therail sections, it powers the belt of the conveyor. 218 Wheel Bearingsystem, which allows the movement of a rail section on the assembly, forthe purpose of installation. 220 Pivot Hinge that allows the deploymentof a rail section. 222 Motor Supplies energy to the pivot. 224 Hydraulicsystem Powers the motors of the harvesting unit. 226 Mobile sectionSectional element grouping together rails, tubular structure, conveyorand load-bearing base. 228 Path Allows access to the harvest area. 230Truck For transport outside the harvest area. 232 Operator Manages fieldoperations. 233 Harvest zone Portion of land where gathering is carriedout. 234 Harvested area Portion of land where harvesting has alreadybeen carried out. 236 Pristine area Portion of land not yet harvested.238 Self-propelled unit Autonomous vehicle incorporating a harvestingunit. 240 Motor Motor allowing the movement of the self- propelled unitover the harvest area. 242 Side tank Allows improvement of buoyancy ofthe self- propelled unit in wet environment. 244 Tracks Articulatedtraction device, allowing movement on all types of terrain. 246 Metalframework Supports the harvesting unit. 248 Tractor Vehicle intended totow a harvesting unit. 250 Attachment arm Allows the attachment of atrailer to the tractor. 252 Trailer Towed platform, location of thecontrol station, connected to the harvesting unit. 254 Control stationAllows complete management of the harvesting unit. 256 Hydraulicactuators Allows the control of the height of the harvesting unit withrespect to the ground. 258 Trailer on skids Towed platform, on which theharvesting unit is mounted. 260 Cable Connected to the tractor, allowstowing of the trailer on skids. 262 Skids Allows the trailer to slide onthe surface of the harvest area. 266 Lightened crosspiece Allows supportof the harvesting unit. 268 Lightened uprights Allow support of thelightened crossbar.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 , the cutting unit (100)can move around the gathering area in different modes, which is to sayaccording to the different harvesting systems used.

FIG. 4 shows the harvesting system (201) which comprises the cuttingunit (100) attached to a trailer (252), location of the control station(254), by means of a mobile metal framework (246); this framework isconnected to hydraulic actuators (256) anchored to the attachment arm(250) to allow its displacement around a vertical axis with respect tothe ground. This attachment arm is hooked to a tractor (248) that isused to pull the assembly over the harvest area.

FIG. 10 shows the harvesting system (207) which comprises the cuttingunit (100) mounted on a mobile metal framework (246), a frameworkattached to a self-propelled vehicle (238) equipped with tracks (244),the hydraulic system (224) of which powers the motor (240). This vehicleis equipped with flotation side tanks (242) to facilitate its movementin wet and sometimes flooded areas.

FIG. 5 shows the harvesting system (203) which comprises the cuttingunit (100) mounted on a metal framework (246) connected to hydraulicactuators (256) to allow it to move along a vertical axis with respectto the ground. These actuators are attached to a lightened metalcrosspiece (266), which is supported at its ends by two lightened metaluprights (268). Each of these metal uprights rests on skids (262) inorder to distribute the weight of the assembly on the ground and allowsliding on the surface of the harvest area. A cable (260) attached tothe skids at one end and to a towed vehicle at the other makes itpossible to move the trailer on skids (258) over the harvest area.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show the harvesting system (205) and a simplifiedrepresentation of the cutting unit (100) attached to an overhead crane(200), which overhead crane is mounted on a rigid chassis frame (206)equipped with bogies (204). The cutting unit is moved by a hydraulicsystem (224) that powers the motors (209). This movement isperpendicular to the mobile sections (226) located on either side of theends of the overhead crane. These sections, equipped with rails (202),allow the cutting unit (100) and the overhead crane to move from theharvested area (234) to the so-called pristine area (236).

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of a mobile section (226) and itscomponents at the scale of the operator (232). A tubular structure (210)supports the rail (202) and the load that is to rest on it. The weightis distributed thanks to a load-bearing base (208) that serves as a baseon the ground. Each section is conveyed to its anchorage point by meansof wheels (218) which allow it to move on the mobile sections alreadyinstalled upstream. At the end of its run, it is attached to the othersby means of a junction (212), once it is unfolded by means of a pivot(220) activated by a motor (222). Each mobile section is equipped with amotor (216) that powers the belt of the conveyor (214) where theharvested material is transported.

FIG. 9 shows an aerial view of the harvest zone (233). It shows thecutting unit (100) attached to the overhead crane (200) which rests on atubular structure (210) made up of an arrangement of mobile andremovable sections (226). These sections are attached to each other andallow the harvesting system (205) to be redeployed on each of the areasmaking up the harvest zone, from the harvested cells (234) to theso-called pristine areas (236). The mobile sections are equipped withconveyor belts (see FIG. 8 ) that convey the sphagnum moss towards aland transport unit (230). Under the control of an operator (232), themoss is transhipped to this unit and then transported out of the harvestzone through an access path (228) provided for this purpose.

FIG. 11 shows the cutting unit (100) that harvests the intermediateportion (13) and leaves the lower portion of the plant on the ground(14) upon which the apical portion (10) is redeposited. The operation iscarried out by means of a transport belt (124) and a chute (146), all ofthis in such a manner as to reseed the harvest area and accelerate itsrecovery.

The description should be construed as illustrative of this technologybut should not be considered to limit the claims. The claims should notbe limited in scope by the examples but should be given the broadestinterpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

The invention claimed is:
 1. Cutting unit for cutting sphagnum moss froma ground surface, said unit comprising a first pair of horizontalpowered parallel blades spaced apart from about 2 cm to about 30 cm anda second pair of vertical powered parallel blades spaced apart fromabout 40 cm to about 400 cm, said blades of said first pair and secondpair being positioned and configured to cut said sphagnum moss in anintermediate portion while leaving said sphagnum moss anchored to saidground surface.
 2. Cutting unit according to claim 1, wherein said firstpair of horizontal powered parallel blades is a pair of chainsaws. 3.Cutting unit according to claim 2, wherein said chainsaws are configuredsuch that said first pair of horizontal powered parallel bladescomprises a first chainsaw disposed above a second chainsaw, said firstchainsaw being advanced with respect to said second chainsaw so thatwhen said cutting unit contacts an element to be cut, said element firstcontacts said first chainsaw and said element then contacts said secondchainsaw.
 4. Cutting unit according to claim 1, wherein said second pairof vertical powered parallel blades is a pair of chainsaws.
 5. Cuttingunit according to claim 1, wherein said second pair of vertical poweredparallel blades is a pair of circular blades.
 6. Cutting unit accordingto claim 2, wherein said second pair of vertical powered parallel bladesis a pair of shear blades.
 7. Sphagnum moss harvesting system comprisinga cutting unit according to claim 1, and a motor for moving said cuttingunit.
 8. System according to claim 7, further comprising a rail systemfor supporting said cutting unit.
 9. System according to claim 7,further comprising at least one roller for dewatering.
 10. Systemaccording to claim 7, further comprising rollers for dewatering. 11.System according to claim 7, further comprising cylinders configured toexert a constant pressure on rollers for pre-dewatering.
 12. Cuttingunit for cutting sphagnum moss, said unit comprising a first pair ofsubstantially parallel blades, laid out according to a firstorientation, and spaced apart from about 2 cm to about 30 cm; and asecond pair of substantially parallel blades, laid out according to asecond orientation, and spaced apart from about 40 cm to about 400 cm;said blades of said first pair and second pair being positioned andconfigured to cut said sphagnum moss, wherein said first pair of bladesis a pair of chainsaws, and wherein said chainsaws are configured suchthat said first pair of blades comprises a first chainsaw disposed abovea second chainsaw, said first chainsaw being disposed horizontally andbeing advanced with respect to said second chainsaw so that when saidcutting unit contacts an element to be cut, said element first contactssaid first chainsaw and said element then contacts said second chainsaw.13. Cutting unit according to claim 12, wherein said first orientationis horizontal.
 14. Cutting unit according to claim 12, wherein saidsecond orientation is vertical.
 15. Cutting unit according to claim 12,wherein said second pair of blades is a pair of chainsaws.
 16. Cuttingunit according to claim 12, wherein said second pair of blades is a pairof circular blades.
 17. Cutting unit according to claim 12, wherein saidsecond pair of blades is a pair of shear blades.
 18. Sphagnum mossharvesting system comprising a cutting unit according to claim 12, and amotor for moving said cutting unit.
 19. System according to claim 18,further comprising a rail system for supporting said cutting unit. 20.System according to claim 18, further comprising at least one roller fordewatering.
 21. System according to claim 18, further comprising rollersfor dewatering.
 22. System according to claim 18, further comprisingcylinders configured to exert a constant pressure on rollers forpre-dewatering.